Culture Optional
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National Drawing Day, Africa Day, Dublin Climate Action Week, Pint of Science Festival
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Hi!!
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Last week I mentioned that Dublin Castle and the Chester Beatty Museum would effectively disappear behind security barriers for six months because of Ireland’s EU Presidency preparations. That already felt excessive. This week it gets worse.
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It has now emerged that the Silk Road Café in the Chester Beatty Museum was told that it also has to close for six months, apparently without compensation and possibly without proper advance notice. (https://www.thejournal.ie/silk-road-cafe-dublin-castle-closure-7037559-May2026/) That is a remarkable way to treat a small business that has become part of the cultural experience of visiting the museum.
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And that is really the bigger issue here. The Chester Beatty Museum is not just another building near Dublin Castle. It is one of Ireland’s great cultural institutions, with collections and exhibitions that connect visitors to cultures and histories from across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. It deserves better than being treated like an inconvenient side issue in an event management plan. It even has a “back entrance” from Ship Street, so that nobody would have to pass through Dublin Castle.
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Of course security and logistics matter during an EU Presidency, but cultural life should not simply be switched off for half a year as if it were optional background decoration. Especially not in a city that already struggles to hold onto cultural spaces. The closure of the Science Gallery by Trinity College still feels like a loss years later and this situation has a similar flavour to it: culture being treated as expendable.
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Thankfully, Dublin’s cultural life is bigger than any one institution. Across the city there are still talks, exhibitions, music sessions, tours and smaller events happening every week, often with little fanfare and no admission charge.
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Which is exactly why this guide keeps going.
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Let’s see what’s on this week.
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If you have friends or family or colleagues that also enjoy cultural events in Dublin, let them know that they can sign up for the free weekly Dublin Event Guide newsletter at https://getthislink.com/DEGSignup
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The working title for my video series on YouTube is the “Better You” videos, they are all about 5-7 minute long about how to better your life. Check out this video series if you want to achieve more in life, but are talking yourself out of it. https://www.youtube.com/@JoergSteegmueller
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Donations in May:
EUR 167
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(By the end of the month, this number has to reach or exceed EUR 200 to guarantee the continuation of the Dublin Event Guide.)
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If the Dublin Event Guide helps you to find out about free events in Dublin, please help with a donation.
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The counter here shows the current donation status. By the end of the month EUR 200 will be subtracted to pay the bills. If more money has been donated, the rest will be carried forward. If donations have stopped below the EUR 200, the missing amount will be carried over.
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Last week the wonderful people who helped with a donation were Emma, Carrie, Sarah, Grace, Olga, Jana, Dino, Lenka and Pawel. Thanks so much! I soooo appreciate if Dublin Event Guide readers are helping. It makes a big difference and your donations keep the Dublin Event Guide going week after week.
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Keeping the Dublin Event Guide going is quite low cost at just EUR 200 per month, but I need you to help getting the money together to cover the cost. Without that there will be no Dublin Event Guide!
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With the above counter you know at all times where we stand and when donating is needed. Donations keep the Dublin Event Guide alive and all donors will also get some additional bonuses.
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Here are some more details about donations:
Any amount is appreciated, but if you are looking for a recommendation, then I suggest a donation of 12 Euro per year. – That’s just one Euro per month and you get FOUR Dublin Event Guides for that Euro! If your funds are limited, but you still want to help, you can buy a virtual coffee for just EUR 4. All donations will be used in full for the Dublin Event Guide.
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To donate, use the Dublin Event Guide Donation Page here: https://gturl.eu/DEGdonate. It is really easy to use and uses Stripe’s trustworthy payment processing. You can even sign up for a yearly subscription on the donation page! Yearly subscriptions will give some important financial stability and reliability to the Dublin Event Guide and are therefore very much appreciated! (Look for the RED subscription buttons at the bottom of the Donation Page.)
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In case the donation page doesn’t work for you, the old links are here: You can donate via http://www.paypal.me/DublinEventGuide or for Revolut users among you, just use @joergbrb or now also https://revolut.me/joergbrb
(If possible, please send your full name and e-mail address as a message with the payment via PayPal or Revolut so that I can tell you about bonuses for donors when available.)
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To buy one or two or even three virtual coffees for the Dublin Event Guide, come to the “Buy Me a Coffee” page here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/DublinEventG
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And there is one other way to help and it is even free: If you come to http://www.DublinEventGuide.com and check out some of the ads and click on the ones that you find interesting, that also helps with a few cent! ?
Thank you!!
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Free events in Dublin this weekend…
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Saturday 16 May
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++ Dublin Climate Action Week https://dublinclimatechange.codema.ie/climate-action-week/events/
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+ Variety of Public Tours at the National Gallery https://www.nationalgallery.ie/whats-on
+ Variety of Tours and talks at the National Museums in Kildare Street and at Collins Barracks https://www.museum.ie/en-ie/eventcalendar
+ Saturdays at Buddy’s Farmers Market 08:30-14:30 Unit D, Ballymun Industrial Park, 16 Carton Rd, Dublin 11 https://www.facebook.com/dublinartisanmarket/
+ Ringing and Monitoring of Dublin’s Birds – Drop-in event 08:30-11:30 Main pond between Scribblestown Lane and River Road in Tolka Valley Park, Dublin 11 (D11 T62V) https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1988394345012 (Booking required)
+ Airfield Estate Farmers’ Market 09:00-14:30 Airfield Estate, Overend Ave, Dundrum, Dublin 14 https://www.airfield.ie/farmers-market-at-airfield-estate
+ Supernatural Food Market – Food & Farmer’s Market 09:00-15:00 St Andrew’s Resource Centre, 114-116 Pearse St., Dublin 2 https://www.facebook.com/thesupernaturalfoodmarket
+ St. Anne’s City Farm – Visit this community farm, run by volunteers 10:00-15:00 St. Anne’s Park, Raheny, Dublin 5 https://www.facebook.com/Stannescityfarm/
++ National Drawing Day – Drawing on the lawn, Life Drawing, Drawing for neurodivergent children, Tours and more 10:00-16:00 National Gallery, Merrion Square, Dublin 2 https://www.nationalgallery.ie/whats-on/national-drawing-day-2026 and https://www.nationalgallery.ie/whats-on
+ Ranelagh Arts Festival Community Day 10:00-16:00 Anthony Cronin Laneway and The Devlin Hotel, 117-119 Ranelagh Road, Dublin 6 https://www.ranelagharts.ie/s-projects-basic
+ Community Gardens Cycle – Biodiversity Week 10:00-13:00 Meeting point in Finglas OR Inchicore https://www.dublincycling.com/events/community-gardens-cycle-2026 (Booking required)
+ Sallynoggin Community Garden – Gardening for all Ages 10:30-12:30 Sallynoggin community garden, Sallynoggin Park, Sallynoggin, Co. Dublin https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1987902742616
?+ Blackrock Market 11:00-17:30 Main Street, Blackrock, Co. Dublin https://www.facebook.com/BlackrockMarket/
+ Irish Wildlife Trust People for Bees at the National Botanic Gardens – Talk and Walk 11:00-13:00 National Botanic Gardens, Botanic Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1987925083438 (Booking required)
+ Bremore Family Fun Day for Bike Week 11:00-16:00 Playground behind Bremore Castle, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin https://dublinclimatechange.codema.ie/climate-action-week/events/ (you need to search for the event via this page because booking is required for the 13:00 Family Cycle)
+ National Drawing Day drop in for families – Hugh Lane Gallery 11:00-13:00 Sean O’Casey Community Centre, 18-26 St Mary’s Rd, Dublin 3 https://hughlane.ie/explore_learn/national-drawing26-16-2/
+ Bikes, Birds & Biosphere: Dublin Port to Bull Island Bike Ride 11:00-13:00 Meeting Point: Sails Statue on Clontarf Promenade and corner of Alfie Byrne Road https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1987058405180 (Booking required)
+ Fur, Footprints and… poo – Family Drop ins in the Dead Zoo Lab 11:00-13:00 National Museum, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7 https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Decorative-Arts-History/Events/DZL-Drop-ins/Family-Drop-ins-in-the-Dead-Zoo-Lab
+ Make Your Mark Drop-in drawing: National Drawing Day 12:00-14:00 Byzantium Tent, International Literature Festival of Dublin, Merrion Square, Dublin 2 https://hughlane.ie/explore_learn/national-drawing26-16/
+ What’s the Story? – The Storyteller Workshop 12:00-13:45 Lucan Library, Newcastle Road, Lucan, Co. Dublin https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1987453761702 (Booking required)
+ Flux Market – Vintage & Craft 12:00-16:00 Flux Studios, Chatham Row, Dublin 2 https://web.facebook.com/WeLovePopUpMarkets
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+ National Demonstration for Palestine – Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign – Protest 13:00 Garden of Remembrance, Parnell Square, Dublin 1 to the Dail in Kildare Street/Molesworth Street https://www.ipsc.ie/event/dublin-national-demonstration-for-palestine-end-78-years-of-ongoing-nakba
+ Highlights tour in Irish – Chester Beatty Galleries 13:00 Chester Beatty Museum, Gardens of Dublin Castle, Dame Street, Dublin 2 https://chesterbeatty.ie/whats-on/highlights-tour-in-irish/
+ When Drawing Meets Words – Celebrate National Drawing Day 13:00-14:00 Rua Red – South Dublin Arts Centre, Blessington Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24 https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1986973180270 (Booking required)
+ Climate Change Experiments – Discover the science behind climate change – Climate Action Week 13:30/14:00/14:30 Tallaght Library, The Square, Tallaght, Dublin 24 https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1988929044312 (Booking required)
+ National Drawing Day for Families – Hugh Lane Gallery Offsite 13:30-15:00 Coolock Library, Barryscourt Road, Dublin 17 https://hughlane.ie/explore_learn/national-drawing26-1/
+ Eileen Gray: The Making of Modernism – Tour 14:00 National Museum, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7 https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Decorative-Arts-History/Events/2026/Q2/May-Tours-at-Collins-Barracks
+ Prehistoric Ireland – Tour 14:00 National Museum – Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Archaeology/Events/2026/Q2-Apr-Jun/April-Tours-at-the-National-Museum-of-Ireland,-(1)
+ Drop-in Drawing for Families: Garden Exploration through Drawing – National Drawing Day 14:00-16:00 Chester Beatty Museum, Gardens of Dublin Castle, Dame Street, Dublin 2 https://chesterbeatty.ie/whats-on/drop-in-drawing-for-families-garden-exploration-through-drawing/
?+ Chester Beatty Museum Tour 14:00 Chester Beatty Museum, Gardens of Dublin Castle, Dame Street, Dublin 2 https://chesterbeatty.ie/whats-on/free-public-tours/ (R)
+ Irish Wildlife Trust: Bee Walk at the National Botanic Gardens 14:30-16:00 National Botanic Gardens, Botanic Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 https://biodiversityweek.ie/event/iwt-dublin-branch-bee-walk-at-the-national-botanic-gardens/
+ Film Screening: Ocean with David Attenborough 15:00-16:35 Malahide Library, Main Street, Malahide, Co. Dublin https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1984781267199 (Booking required)
+ Symbols of Ireland in the National Museum’s Collection – Tour 15:30 National Museum, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7 https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Decorative-Arts-History/Events/2026/Q2/May-Tours-at-Collins-Barracks
+ Highlights of the National Museum of Ireland – Tour 15:30 National Museum – Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Archaeology/Events/2026/Q2-Apr-Jun/April-Tours-at-the-National-Museum-of-Ireland,-(1)
+ Mixed Music Karaoke Nights 18:00-23:30 Kalabasa Market, 60-61 Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1 https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1983997125811
+ Live Gypsy Jazz – Gig 19:30-23:00 Mother Reilly’s, 26-32 Upper Rathmines Road, Dublin 6 https://www.facebook.com/events/772554088564616
+ Concordia University Nebraska Choir – Live Concert 19:00 Holy Cross Church, Main Street, Dundrum, Dublin 14 https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1989088236460
+ Monsters of Metal (Tribute to Classic Rock/Metal) – Gig – support from Arcadian Nights & Coast Noir 20:00 https://web.facebook.com/events/26916417427991304/
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Sunday 17 May
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++ Dublin Climate Action Week https://dublinclimatechange.codema.ie/climate-action-week/events/
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+ Variety of Public Tours at the National Gallery https://www.nationalgallery.ie/whats-on
+ Variety of Tours and talks at the National Museums in Kildare Street and at Collins Barracks https://www.museum.ie/en-ie/eventcalendar
+ Dawn Chorus at Carrickgollogan – Biodiversity Week 05:00-07:00 Carrickgollogan Forest Trail, Murphy’s Lane, Carrickgollogan, Co. Dublin https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1988484440490 (Booking required)
+ Ranelagh Arts Film Festival 09:50-13:45 The Devlin Cinema, The Devlin Hotel, 117-119 Ranelagh Road, Dublin 6 https://www.ranelagharts.ie/s-projects-basic
+ The Irish Pop Up Collective – Shopping Event – with 60 brands 10:00-18:00 Royal Marine Hotel, Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1987263232825
+ Cycle to Sea Swim at Sea Point 10:00-12:30 Sandymount Green, Sandymount, Dublin 4 https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1987690353354
+ St. Anne’s City Farm – Visit this community farm, run by volunteers 10:00-15:00 St. Anne’s Park, Raheny, Dublin 5 https://www.facebook.com/Stannescityfarm/ (R)
+ Family Fun Fancy Dress Cycle Dodder Valley Park 10:30-14:00 Dodder Valley Park Sports Pavillon, 23 Seskin View Park, Tallaght, Dublin 24 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1987613859559 (Booking required)
+ Run Talk Run – Phoenix Park Run of Mental Health Peer Support Group for adults 10:50 Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 https://bit.ly/RTRDublin
(Booking required)
+ St. Patrick’s Park Market – Books, gifts and crafts 11:00-17:30 St. Patrick’s Park, next to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin 8 https://www.facebook.com/stpatricksparkmarket/
+ Blackrock Market 11:00-17:30 Main Street, Blackrock, Co. Dublin https://www.facebook.com/BlackrockMarket/ (R)
+ Family Fun Day at Malahide Castle – Dublin Climate Action Week 11:00-18:00 Malahide Castle, Malahide, Co. Dublin https://dublinclimatechange.codema.ie/climate-action-week/events/
++ Africa Day – Music, Dancing, Spoken Word, Cultural Village 11:00-18:00 Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin 8 https://www.ireland.ie/en/africa-day/ and https://web.facebook.com/africadayireland
+ Gauche Market – Witch Forest Edition – jewellery, art, homewares, accessories and more 12:00-17:00 Wigwam, 54 Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988645078964
+ Fade Street Flea Market 12:30-18:00 Market Bar, 14 Fade Street, Dublin 2 https://www.facebook.com/pages/The%20Market%20Bar%20&%20Restaurant/102874844838763/
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+ Skerries Bee Walk and Talk 14:00-15:30 Barnageeragh Road, Skerries, Co. Dublin https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1988159707204 (Booking required)
+ An Introduction to Collins Barracks featuring Harry Clarke – Tour 14:00 National Museum, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7 https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Decorative-Arts-History/Events/2026/Q2/May-Tours-at-Collins-Barracks
?+ Chester Beatty Museum Tour 15:00 Chester Beatty Museum, Gardens of Dublin Castle, Dame Street, Dublin 2 https://chesterbeatty.ie/whats-on/free-public-tours/ (R)
+ Far From Home: Migration in 20th Century Ireland – Tour 15:30 National Museum, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7 https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Decorative-Arts-History/Events/2026/Q2/May-Tours-at-Collins-Barracks
?+ Organ Freeman – Weekly Jazz Sundays 18:00-20:30 The Big Romance, 98 Parnell Street, Dublin 1 https://www.jazzireland.ie/jazz-events/residency/organ-freeman-weekly-jazz-sundays-39.html (R)
+ Jawbone: Acoustic Blues & Folk Commune 20:00 Arthur’s Blues & Jazz Club, 28 Thomas Street, Dublin 8 https://www.facebook.com/events/2884885621692568/2884885678359229 (R)
+ The Comedy Crunch – Comedy 21:00-22:45 Stag’s Head, 1 Dame Court, Dublin 2 https://www.facebook.com/thecomedycrunch (R)
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And the free events for next week….
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Please note: To speed up the creation of the weekday section of the Dublin Event Guide, I am experimenting with a few minor changes. One is that I am not adding the full address of the venue to all events anymore (for now). If you don’t know where the venue is, you will find it by checking the event link.
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Monday 18 May
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+ Variety of Tours and talks at the National Museums in Kildare Street and at Collins Barracks https://www.museum.ie/en-ie/eventcalendar
+ Variety of Public Tours at the National Gallery https://www.nationalgallery.ie/whats-on
+ A Guides’ Guide to Collins Barracks with Clare Doyle – Tour 13:30 National Museum, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7 https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Decorative-Arts-History/Events/2026/Q2/May-Tours-at-Collins-Barracks
+ The Vikings in Ireland – Tour 13:30 National Museum – Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Archaeology/Events/2026/Q2-Apr-Jun/April-Tours-at-the-National-Museum-of-Ireland,-(1)
+ Highlights of the National Museum of Ireland – Tour 15:00 National Museum – Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Archaeology/Events/2026/Q2-Apr-Jun/April-Tours-at-the-National-Museum-of-Ireland,-(1)
+ Pint of Science Festival (18-20 May) – Science talks in 7 venues 19:00-21:00 various pubs in Dublin https://pintofscience.ie/events/Dublin/
+ 2026 Total Solar Eclipse – Talk – Irish Astronomical Society 19:30 Online and at Beech Hill, UCD, Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 P7W1 https://irishastrosoc.ie/event/2026-total-solar-eclipse_may2026/
+ Song Cycle – Singer Songwriter Night – Open Night with special guests – Little Whelan’s 21:00 Whelan’s, 25 Wexford Street, Dublin 2 https://www.whelanslive.com/event/song-cycle/
+ The Comedy Crunch – Comedy 21:00-22:45 Stag’s Head, 1 Dame Court, Dublin 2 https://www.facebook.com/thecomedycrunch
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Tuesday 19 May
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+ Variety of Tours and talks at the National Museums in Kildare Street and at Collins Barracks https://www.museum.ie/en-ie/eventcalendar
+ Variety of Public Tours at the National Gallery https://www.nationalgallery.ie/whats-on
+ Tour of the Edward Worth Library – Dublin City Culture Club 11:00 Edward Worth Library, Dr. Steevens Hospital, St John’s Road West, Dublin 8 https://cultureclubdublin.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873685829 (Booking required)
+ Live Performance: Brass Fusion 12:00-14:00 National Museum, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7 https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Decorative-Arts-History/Events/2026/Q2/Brass-Fusion-live-free-performance-at-Collins-Barr
+ Highlights of the National Museum of Ireland – Tour 12:30 National Museum – Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Archaeology/Events/2026/Q2-Apr-Jun/April-Tours-at-the-National-Museum-of-Ireland,-(1)
+ The Bulgarian April Uprising of 1876 and Ireland’s 1916 Easter Rising – parallels and contrasts more than a hundred (and fifty) years later – Lecture 13:00-15:00 Trinity Long Room Hub, TCD Campus, Dublin 2 https://www.tcd.ie/news_events/events/event/?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D201855442
+ Pint of Science Festival (18-20 May) – Science talks in 7 venues 19:00-21:00 various pubs in Dublin https://pintofscience.ie/events/Dublin/
+ Irish Wildlife Trust: Bithéagsúlacht agus Gaeilge – Biodiversity and Irish – Talk 19:00-20:00 Pearse Centre, 27 Pearse Street, Dublin 2 https://biodiversityweek.ie/event/bitheagsulacht-agus-gaeilge-biodiversity-and-irish/
+ Songs In The Long Room – Acoustic Open Mic Session 20:00-23:00 Hynes Bar, 79 Prussia Street, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7 https://www.facebook.com/events/472368905228630
+ Darkey Kelly’s Tuesday Singer Songwriter Night 19:00-22:30 Darkey Kelly’s, Harding Hotel, Fishamble Street, Dublin 8 https://www.facebook.com/groups/915434861959818
+ Downtown Blues Dancing – Weekly Drop-in Classes & Social Dancing 20:00-23:00 Mind the Step Cafe, 24 Strand Street Great, Dublin 1 https://www.downtownbluesdublin.com/blues-dancing
+ Ukulele Tuesday – Weekly Ukulele Meetup 20:00 Stag’s Head, 1 Dame Court, Dublin 2 https://www.facebook.com/UkuleleTuesday/
+ The Comedy Crunch – Comedy 21:00-22:45 Stag’s Head, 1 Dame Court, Dublin 2 https://www.facebook.com/thecomedycrunch
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Wednesday 20 May
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+ Variety of Tours and talks at the National Museums in Kildare Street and at Collins Barracks https://www.museum.ie/en-ie/eventcalendar
+ Variety of Public Tours at the National Gallery https://www.nationalgallery.ie/whats-on
+ Tour of Liliana Zeic: ‘Eating the Sun’ – Dublin City Culture Club 11:00 Project Arts Centre, 39 Essex Street East, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 https://cultureclubdublin.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873685850 (Booking required)
+ Catherine Strong – Dung Queen of Dublin – Talk 11:00-12:00 Trinity Long Room Hub, Fellow Square, Trinity College, Dublin 2 https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1987830715180 (Booking required)
+ Prehistoric Ireland – Tour 12:30 National Museum – Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Archaeology/Events/2026/Q2-Apr-Jun/April-Tours-at-the-National-Museum-of-Ireland,-(1)
+ Seamus Heaney: Listen Now Again – National Library 13:00-14:00 Online https://www.nli.ie/exhibitions-events/online-tour-seamus-heaney-listen-now-again-35 (Booking required)
+ Irish National War Memorial Gardens – Tour 14:00 Irish National War Memorial Gardens, Islandbridge, Dublin 8 https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/irish-national-war-memorial-gardens/ (R)
?+ Chester Beatty Museum Tour 17:30 Chester Beatty Museum, Gardens of Dublin Castle, Dame Street, Dublin 2 https://chesterbeatty.ie/whats-on/free-public-tours/ (R)
+ Music at the Museum: An Tara 18:00 Chester Beatty Museum, Gardens of Dublin Castle, Dame Street, Dublin 2 https://chesterbeatty.ie/whats-on/music-at-the-museum-an-tara-with-niamh-obrien/
+ From Sketchbook to Story: The Universal language of Comics – in English – Alliance Française Comic Book Festival 18:00 Alliance Francaise, 1 Kildare Street, Dublin 2 http://web.alliance-francaise.ie/bd/#events
+ Representations of Fairground Travellers and Showpeople in Irish Tradition – Talk 18:00-19:00 The Wood Quay Venue, Fishamble Street, Dublin 8 (between Dublin City offices and Christ Church) https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1981851560367 (Booking required)
+ Pint of Science Festival (18-20 May) – Science talks in 7 venues 19:00-21:00 various pubs in Dublin https://pintofscience.ie/events/Dublin/
+ Hedgerows Cycle – Biodiversity Week 19:00-21:00 Meeting Point: Bushy Park, Terenure https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988705444519 (Booking required)
+ The Workman’s Club Karaoke 22:30 Workman’s Club, 10 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2 http://theworkmansclub.com/events/
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Dublin Event Guide (for Free Events)
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Thursday 21 May
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+ Variety of Tours and talks at the National Museums in Kildare Street and at Collins Barracks https://www.museum.ie/en-ie/eventcalendar
+ Variety of Public Tours at the National Gallery https://www.nationalgallery.ie/whats-on
+ Africa Day Celebrations: Rosemount Family Resource Centre 11:00-13:00 Rosemount Family Resource Centre, 3 Waldemar Terrace, Main Street, Dundrum, Dublin 14 https://www.ireland.ie/en/africa-day/
+ Highlights of the National Museum of Ireland – Tour 12:30 National Museum – Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Archaeology/Events/2026/Q2-Apr-Jun/April-Tours-at-the-National-Museum-of-Ireland,-(1)
+ Behind the Scenes: Conservation at the National Museum 14:00 National Museum, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7 https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Decorative-Arts-History/Events/2026/Q2/Special-Public-Tour-Behind-the-Scenes (Booking required)
+ Live Reading, Q&A & Book Fair – in English,French,Irish – Alliance Française Comic Book Festival 18:00 Alliance Francaise, 1 Kildare Street, Dublin 2 http://web.alliance-francaise.ie/bd/#events
?+ The Richie Buckley Quartet – Jazz 20:30-23:30 Frank Ryan’s Pub, 5 Queen Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7 https://www.jazzireland.ie/jazz-events/residency/the-richie-buckley-quartet-13.html
+ The Workman’s Club Karaoke 22:30 Workman’s Club, 10 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2 http://theworkmansclub.com/events/
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Friday 22 May
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+ Variety of Tours and talks at the National Museums in Kildare Street and at Collins Barracks https://www.museum.ie/en-ie/eventcalendar
?+ Variety of Public Tours at the National Gallery https://www.nationalgallery.ie/whats-on
+ Bealtaine Workshop: Scents of Life – A Sensory Journey into Colour and Word 11:00-13:00 Chester Beatty Museum, Gardens of Dublin Castle, Dame Street, Dublin 2 https://chesterbeatty.ie/whats-on/bealtaine-workshop-for-older-adults-scents-of-life-a-sensory-journey-into-colour-and-word/ (Booking required)
+ The History of Art in Ireland – Tour 12:30 National Museum – Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Archaeology/Events/2026/Q2-Apr-Jun/April-Tours-at-the-National-Museum-of-Ireland,-(1)
+ Sean O’Casey Through The Lens of Art – Talk 13:00 International Literature Festival Dublin, Merrion Square, Dublin 2 https://hughlane.ie/explore_learn/22-may/ (Booking required)
+ Contemporary Art in Hugh Lane Gallery – An Exploration of Isabel Nolan’s Rings of Saturn – Dublin City Culture Club 13:00 Online https://cultureclubdublin.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873685832 (Booking required)
+ ‘Vive la Résistance!’ Imagining Gaul from Asterix to Norma – in English – Alliance Française Comic Book Festival 18:00 Alliance Francaise, 1 Kildare Street, Dublin 2 http://web.alliance-francaise.ie/bd/#events
+ Bulgarian bagpipes and folk dances 19:00-21:00 Nicola Farcas School of Ballet, Swords Road, Unit 4, Dublin 9 https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1988655943460/ (Booking required)
+ Turks Trad Night 19:00-23:45 Turks Head, Parliament Street, Temple bar, Dublin 2 https://www.facebook.com/events/1136787884561895/
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+++ Dublin Climate Action Week
From 11-17 May the Dublin Climate Action Week will take place and it is full with events. I have some listed in this Dublin Event Guide, but there are many many more. It is happening at the same time as Bike Week, so the events list here https://dublinclimatechange.codema.ie/climate-action-week/events/ shows evens for Climate Action Week and for Bike Week.
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?+++ Howth Maritime & Seafood Festival
Next weekend from Friday 22 May until Sunday 24 May, Howth is inviting to their yearly Maritime & Seafood Festival again. https://www.fingal.ie/events/howth-maritime-seafood-festival In addition to the day time events from 12:00-18:00 on Saturday and Sunday, there will also be gigs in the evening on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and the list can be found on https://howthmaritimebynight.ie.
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? +++ Dublin Tech Week
From 22-29 May the Dublin Tech Week will take place with lots of events, including a range of free events about all sorts of technology topics. Unsurprisingly AI features heavily, but there are plenty of other interesting topics as well. Check out the programme at https://dublintechweek.com/events-programme-2026/
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+++ StreetFeast
The yearly weekend of street parties & communities lunches will happen again next weekend on 23+24 May. You can still register at https://streetfeast.ie/ and then quickly get together with your neighbours and plan the event. There are some suggestions and recommendations in the FAQ section on the StreetFeast website.
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+++ Dublin Castle Closed until January
From 05 May, Dublin Castle, Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction will be closed because of the EU Presidency until 31 December 2026. And from June, the Chester Beatty Museum will also close until January.
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?+++ Government Digital Wallet: Share your Views
The Irish Government is currently exploring the idea of introducing a “Government Digital Wallet”, a system/app that could allow people to store official documents like ID, licences and possibly other credentials on their phone.
On the surface, this sounds convenient. Many countries are moving in this direction and having your documents available digitally could make everyday interactions a little bit smoother, from dealing with public services to verifying your identity when needed.
However, given Ireland’s mixed track record with digital identity systems, caution is required.
The rollout of the Public Services Card led to significant concerns raised by the Data Protection Commission, particularly around how personal data was collected and used. That history means that trust in new systems like a digital wallet should not come automatically.
The government has opened a public consultation and is actively asking for feedback.
You can share your views here:
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-public-expenditure-infrastructure-public-service-reform-and-digitalisation/forms/government-digital-wallet/
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+++ Dublin City Council Culture Company
Every week, the Dublin City Council Culture Company organises cultural events in venues in Dublin. They are events in addition to the normal events in museums, galleries and other venues. All events are free, but access is by registration only. And these events are POPULAR!! So when I get to checking them out on the Friday before they take place, the most interesting ones are usually already booked out. If you are interested, check them out here https://cultureclubdublin.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows
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+++ LEARN A NEW SKILL WITH ONLINE COURSES
Is there ever a wrong time for learning a new skill or enhancing what you are already interested in? Maybe it is a language or an instrument or some technical skills? Or something completely different? Nearly every subject is there! Check out Udemy via the link below, they have thousands of courses and there is good chance that what you are looking for is available. Nearly all the courses are REALLY affordable!
The lowest price most of the time is EUR 12.99. Sometimes it even goes down further to EUR 9.99 and when that happens (about once or twice a year), I will tell you. But even 12.99 is definitely a good price for what you get! – Check out the website at https://www.getthislink.com/Udemy22 And if you buy through that link, you also help the Dublin Event Guide! :-)
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+++ IKEA Crafting / Music / Cooking Workshops
Ikea in Ballymun runs a variety of crafting, music and cooking workshops it is always worh checking out. The workshops are free and usually go for 45 minutes. They are always for children, but the age is often not fixed. There are specific Toddler and baby workshops at times as well. Check them out on https://www.ikea.com/ie/en/stores/events/ikea-ballymun/
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+++ Some more events:
Find Library events here https://www.dublincity.ie/events and Trinity College Events here https://www.tcd.ie/news_events/events/?day=18&month=03&year=2024&search=week
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+++ Storytelling and Toddler Groups at Dublin City Libraries
The Dublin City Libraries have published a list of Storytelling and Toddler groups for age 0-4 across the Dublin City Libraries. You can find it here https://www.dublincity.ie/library/blog/storytelling-and-toddler-groups-dublin-city-libraries
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And this is it for another week! Have a great weekend and good new week.
Take care,
–Joerg (dublineventguide@gmail.com)
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Copyright 2026 by Joerg Steegmueller |
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